viii, 596 pages : 25 cm

In this, the first full-scale biography of Nelson Mandela, Martin Meredith vividly captures the epic arc of a life defined by struggle against the brutality of apartheid and its eventual defeat. He provides fascinating insights into the enduring friendships Mandela forged among whites and blacks alike, into the influential role played by his communist colleagues, and into his turbulent personal life. Meredith casts light upon the dark years of Mandela's imprisonment, when, mostly forgotten by the outside world, he was banished to Robben Island, South Africa's most notorious political prison. Yet Mandela survived years of hard labor and mistreatment to emerge as a powerful symbol of national reconciliation, and his ultimate triumph was honored and acclaimed around the world. As a champion of peace and a father of a new nation, Nelson Mandela is a hero in a world where heroes are few in number

"First published in Great Britain by the Penguin Group"--Title page verso

"A Thomas Dunne book."

Includes bibliographical references and index

The mission school ladder -- Johannesburg -- Friends and comrades -- The apartheid machine -- The 'M' plan -- The freedom charter -- 'The fabulous decade' -- A trial of endurance -- Spear of the nation -- Capture -- Operation Mayibuye -- The Rivonia trial -- Prisoner -- A double ordeal -- Soweto -- Free Mandela! -- Talking with the enemy -- The football club -- Botha's tea party -- A step to freedom -- The third man -- Winnie's trial -- Codesa -- Winnie's downfall -- The sunset claus -- The loneliest man -- The election roller-coaster -- Reinventing South Africa

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